Bulgaria in a Hurry To Conclude Peace

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 211, 6 September 1944, Page 5

Bulgaria in a Hurry To Conclude Peace

GERMANS MUST GET OUT AND STAY OUT

Received Wednesday, 12.50 a.m. LONDON, Sept. 6. The Moscow radio declares that the Bulgarian Government is taking measures for speeuing up negotiations for the conclusion of peace. The Bulgarian Premier (Dr. Muraviev) in a speech at Sofia said: “Bulgaria undertakes to carry out a rigorous unconditional policy of neutrality and in order to maintain neutrality will take measures to disarm all German forces which cross the Bulgarian border, also German troops on Bulgarian territory. “If during the realisation of these measures Germany should create any difficulties Bulgaria will be forced to break off diplomatic relations with Germany.” Dr. Muraviev added that the Government was carrying out the withdrawal of the Bulgarian Expeditionary Corps which would be completed soon. One of the Government’s main tasks would be to continue to develop the sincerest relations with Russia. Russia had special reasons for refraining from a declaration of war in the past three years. She calculated that the Bulgarian Army could not be induced to take part in Germany’s campaign of conquest against Russia and when the right time came Bulgaria—one of Germany’s fair weather satellites—could be prevailed on without hostilities to quit the sinking ship. Moscow therefore maintained diplomatic relations with Sofia and now, maybe, is making use of them to complete Germany’s ruin in the Balkans. Bulgarian territory could provide a link — so long lacking—between the powerful Allied land forces and the extensive territories held by the Yugoslav Partisans. Thi* being so, the suspension of Allied discussions with Bulgarian envoys in Cairo seems of little moment. Mr. Mushanov has decided that he is not empowered to continue until the new Government, under Mr. Muraviev,

is completed and gives fresh instructions. The course of events in Finland over the week-end may not be without influence on Bulgaria’s action. A Cairo message to-day indicates that the Greeks are taking matters Into their own hands. It is reported that a party of Germans on the Turkish frontier have been surrounded by Greek patriots who are said to be in effective control of the Greek side of the frontier. There arc also indications in the last few days that some Germans are being withdrawn from the Aegean Islands, particularly Crete, although not on a large scale. The evacuation is being restricted by lack of transport and R.A.F. attacks. Troops are being removed in small vessels capable of carrying not more than 200 to 300 men. No major attempt at evacuation is anticipated. The Ankara radio, quoted by the Press Association, says that Rumania has broken off relations with Hungary.